Michael Beasley to the Lakers would be a good move

Last season, the Lakers posted a 27-55 record which was the worst in franchise history the since move from Minneapolis to L.A. A huge reason for that was the fact that players were falling like flies with the team tallying an astonishing 319 games missed as players such as Kobe Bryant played in just six regular season games, and fielding less than 10 players on numerous occasions.

Seemingly determined to avoid a repeat of the 2013-14 season, the front office has seemingly decided to load up on as many players as possible – especially at the power forward spot. The Lakers already have plenty of bodies at the position with Julius Randle (the No. 7 overall pick from this year’s Draft), Carlos Boozer (who was amnestied by the Chicago Bulls) and Ed Davis in place. But apparently that’s not enough.

According to multiple reports, free agent forward Michael Beasley went in for a workout at the team’s training facility not too long ago. It’s not yet clear what exactly came about from that particular session, but maybe the move wouldn’t be such a bad idea after all should the two reach an agreement.

Grown and Matured

Beasley is coming off a season in which he displayed exceptional maturity and patience when asked to take on a smaller role with the Miami Heat. Essentially, he was a part time player under Erik Spoelstra last season, although, he has lot more to offer. And as a former No.2 overall pick, he sort of has to.

In his first two seasons with Miami, the Kansas State product was able to produce at a respectable rate. He averaged 14.5 points along with 5.9 rebounds, while getting 27minutes per outing. Then, when he was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves, in order to make way for LeBron James and Co. back in 2010, his scoring soared to 19points per game.

The only problem with that was the shots he was taking. All too often B-Easy would hoist up terrible shots that disrupted the offense, so the team as whole would suffer. However, during his second stint in Miami last year, he was able to play within the offense and still be a scoring threat.

As a result, the 25-year-old notched 25.2 points per 48minutes to put him 47th among those who took part in at least 20 regular-season games.

A pessimist might argue that it was due to the calibre of player around him that enabled him to get easier looks and attack opponents. On the other hand, a more positive thinking person could argue that it was because he matured both on and off the court, and that’s why he was able to hit a nearly 50percent of his field goal tries.

Defensive Liability

Defensively though the he would be a major liability. Despite putting forth the effort defensively last year (certainly a lot more than he has in the past), Beasley was still poor on that end of the floor, allowing 108points per 100possessions according to NBAStats.com. That’s a huge reason why Erik Spoelstra only gave 23 minutes of court-time during the playoffs, and it would drive newly appointed head coach Byron Scott, to the brink of insanity.

And, of course, there is always the risk that he could end up spiralling out of control and into trouble of the court. All too often he has done some ridiculously stupid stuff like getting busted with marijuana a few times.

Then again, he surely is aware that he is running out chances. Anymore screw ups and he will be forced to find work overseas. Besides, there is no way a no nonsense veteran like Kobe Bryant allows him to become a distraction in the Lakers’ locker room.

Double Threat

As for the congestion problem at power forward, Michael Beasley is a versatile and skilled enough to play either forward position. At 6-foot-10 and 235pounds, he could bully his way past most small forwards in the NBA. And thanks to his quickness, he would blow by the majority of traditional PFs with ease.

Furthermore, they could always sign him to a cheap or non-guaranteed contract in case the move doesn’t pan out.

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